Human immunodeficiency virus/Hepatitis B virus (HIV/HBV) co-infections are frequently observed due to shared routes of transmission, with reported figures indicating 6-9% of HIV-infected individuals in developed countries are chronically infected with HBV. HIV infection impacts on the natural progression of HBV infection, increasing levels of HBV replication and the risk of liver-associated mortality. Liver diseases associated with HBV are affected by the antiviral drugs used for HIV infection (toxic side effects), the current immune function in the patient, by improvements in the immune system brought about by control of the HIV infection, and by the development of resistance to the antiviral agents used for both the hepatitis B and the HIV infection. Co-infection with HBV increases the risk for hepatotoxicity in those individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for their HIV infection.

This study will recruit patients who are co-infected with HIV and HBV, and are currently taking or who are about to commence HAART. The study cohort will include HIV-HBV co-infected individuals from the Alfred Hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and high case load GP clinics who are referred to the Alfred Hospital.

The aim of the study is to investigate chronic hepatitis B and its impact on the progression of liver disease in HIV-infected persons receiving HAART.

This will be achieved by 6 monthly assessment with medical history, physical examination, bloods for markers of liver disease and hepatitis B activity and completion of questionnaires to measure adherence and alcohol use.

To investigate the efficacy and sustainability of HBV-active HAART on hepatitis B suppression by measuring changes in the HBV DNA levels as well as monitoring ALT levels, CD4 counts and HBV serology results. [ Time Frame: 6 monthly assessment for 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:

The surveillance of antiviral resistance mutations that may develop in those individuals who are unable to sustain hepatitis B suppression [ Time Frame: 6 monthly assessment for 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Individuals with HIV infection and hepatitis B surface antigen positive results who are currently receiving or planning to commence HAART.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

HIV-HBV co-infected individuals from the Alfred Hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and high case load GP clinics who are referred to the Alfred Hospital

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

18 years of age and older

HIV positive

2 positive Hepatitis B surface antigen results 6 months apart

provision of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

unable to provide informed consent

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00637429